Winny's Story
After hearing about ACH’s business support from her friends, we were delighted to welcome Winny on board the support scheme in May 2022. Two months on, and we couldn’t be happier for Winny who has recently opened her very own shop selling African clothing in Bristol. Bringing her passion to life through her commitment to our free business support programme.
"ACH, I am very, very grateful for because they coached me and said Winny you can make it. They are always there with me and if I have a problem, I will go meet them and set up plan." - Winny, Owner of Ann Winn.
About Winny and her business idea
Since the age of 15, Winny has had a passion for creating and selling African clothing. The different designs, colours, and fabrics fascinated her, and she knew then that fashion would take her far. When moving to the UK in 2010, Winny began work as a carer but still had a strong passion for fashion!
Previously owning a food and fashion business in Sierra Leone, Winny was keen to explore setting up her own fashion business in the UK, selling African fabric and apparel for men, women, and children, as well as fashion accessories.
The process of bringing Winny’s business idea to life
When Winny joined ACH’s business support scheme, her business was in the pre-start stages, trading at ad-hoc weekend markets around Bristol with Kuumba Centre. Her dream was to set up a shop at a fixed premise.
ACH helped bring this dream to life through fortnightly meetings and weekly catch ups with our experience in-house enterprise facilitator, Shalini. We supported Winny with all of the necessities needed to set up her shop including, a business bank account, setting up a digital payment system, business insurance, and retail unit tenancy agreements. As well as coaching and supporting Winny through the challenges of setting up a business.
"ACH, I am very, very grateful for because they coached me and said, Winny, you can make it. They are always there with me, and if I have a problem, I will go meet them and set up a plan."
The business now...
Two months after seeking business support from ACH, Winny has now launched her shop where she sells African fabric, apparels for men, women and children, as well as fashion accessories. The opening of her shop is the first major milestone in achieving her business ambitions and dreams within the UK and we couldn’t be happier for Winny.
"When I come to this country (UK), I will still do this business and open a shop – this is my dream."
We are excited to continue supporting Winny in the next stages of her business, helping the business to grow and reach more customers.
Any advice for people thinking about setting up a business?
"I know it is a challenge and it might not work the first time or the second time, but keep going and it will work. Business is about patience."
Why not pop in and see some of the beautiful African clothing and jewellery on sale at Winny’s shop:
Ann Win African Boutique & Jewellery | Unit 14, 133-135 Lawrence Hill Shopping Centre, BS5 OBT
